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loose steering on high mileage 1991 500E

Hi everyone,

Owner of my old 1991 500E (now with about 300,000km) has a slight play in the steering, the links all seem to be fine. This is a very slight play and the steering is responding but I know it was better. Any suggestions? Any one had issues with steering couplers ? or is that an R107 issue.

The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Eno For This Useful Post:

Re: loose steering on high mileage 1991 500E

Yes the box is adjustable... If you are encountering wear internal to the box- used boxes in the usa are dirt cheap from 034's. It's always the shipping that gets you. I think there are 2 bearing preloads. The rack gear play is on the bottom of the pitnam arm. It's an allen.. i've never messed with it. I'm sure there is a FSM proceedure for adjustment.

Re: loose steering on high mileage 1991 500E

the steering box is adjustable..like samiam44 mentioned...BUT you WILL have to do it proper..or else you will just make it worse.There is a wis document describing it..but i do not have it available.

The WIS states 1/8 turn to a maximum of 1/4 turn. Its basically pushing the two gears closer together to eliminate the play in the middle section, if they are brought too close the gears will grind when turning the steering wheel, hence ruining the box further. Its something the mechanics don't want to touch and they are telling him to live with it or have the steering box replaced.